System, device, and method of packaging

ABSTRACT

A wrap for wrapping around a content includes: an elongated net to wrap around a central region of the content; and two shoulder-creating net-portions, attached to two opposing edges of the elongated net. A method of packaging a content includes: wrapping a first elongated net around a central region of the content, wherein the wrapping causes the central region of the content to compress, and wherein the wrapping of the central region maintains two opposing edges of the content non-wrapped and non-compressed; and wrapping a second elongated net around the content, wherein the second elongated net is wider than the first elongated net; and wherein the wrapping of the second elongated net covers both the central region and the two opposing edges of the content.

FIELD

The present invention is related to net combined with breathing material, bale nets and similar packaging solutions.

BACKGROUND

Various types of nets, films, wraps or similar wrapping or packaging solutions may be used for wrapping or packing various items, for example, bale, hay, straw perishable items, or the like. For example, a perforated plastic stretch film may be used to enclose or hold the packed items, and to allow ventilation thereof.

Some wraps may be used for wrapping packages of hay or straw, typically as a cylinder of wrapped hay or straw. Such cylinders of wrapped hay or straw are often left in a field or outdoor, until their subsequent removal, transport, or other utilization.

SUMMARY

The present invention may include, for example, systems, devices, and methods of packaging. Particularly, a net, film or wrap may be wrapped around content (e.g., hay, straw, perishable content, or other content), to form a cylindrical package. Shoulders or edges of the cylindrical package may be raised, or may be indented, relative to the external surface of the cylindrical package, thereby creating raised shoulders or sunk channels. Each cylindrical package may be a stand-alone package with its own raised shoulders or its own sunk channels; and packages need not be combined or attached to each other (e.g., in a row or a column).

The raised shoulders or the sunk channels may prevent fluids (e.g., rain, water, snow) from running towards the content stored within the cylindrical package; and/or may divert or guide such fluids to run downwardly, towards the ground and not towards the content of the cylindrical package.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention may provide a wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: an elongated net to wrap around a central region of said content; and two shoulder-creating net-portions, attached to two opposing edges of the elongated net. In some embodiments of the present invention, each one of the two shoulder-creating net-portions protrudes partially out of the elongated net. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two shoulder-creating net-portions are implemented by using a single shoulder-creating region that covers the central region and the two opposing edges of the elongated net. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two shoulder-creating net-portions are elastic. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two shoulder-creating net-portions are non-elastic. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two shoulder-creating net-portions, when revolved around said content, cause the wrap to comprise raised shoulders at said two opposing edges. In some embodiments of the present invention, the raised shoulders block water from dripping sideways towards a side of said content in which said content is exposed.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention may provide a wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: a first elongated net having a first width, wherein the first width is smaller than a width of the content being wrapped; and a second elongated net having a second width; wherein the second width of the second elongated net is greater than the first width of the first elongated net. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second width of the second elongated net is substantially identical to the width of the content being wrapped. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second width of the second elongated net is greater than the width of the content being wrapped.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention may provide a wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: an elongated net having a first elongated region and a second elongated region; wherein the first elongated region has a first width; wherein the second elongated region has a second, smaller, width. In some embodiments of the present invention, a transition from the first elongated region to the second elongated region is abrupt. In some embodiments of the present invention, a transition from the first elongated region to the second elongated region is gradual. In some embodiments of the present invention, two opposing edges of the second elongated region comprise multiple threads that are tied together in a rope structure.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention may provide an elongated wrap to wrap around a content, comprising: an elongated central region, and two elongated side-regions; wherein the elongated central region revolves around the content at a first diameter; wherein the two elongated side-regions revolve around the content at a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter, thereby producing raised shoulders at said side-regions.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of packaging a content may comprise: wrapping a first elongated net around a central region of said content, wherein the wrapping causes said central region of the content to compress, and wherein the wrapping of the central region maintains two opposing edges of the content non-wrapped and non-compressed; and wrapping a second elongated net around said content, wherein the second elongated net is wider than the first elongated net; and wherein the wrapping of the second elongated net covers both the central region and the two opposing edges of the content. In some embodiments of the present invention, the wrapping of the first elongated net, followed by the wrapping of the second elongated net, produces a wrapped packaging having raised shoulders at said to opposing edges. In some embodiments of the present invention, the raised shoulders block water from dripping sideways towards an exposed side of said content.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of packaging a content may comprise: running an elongated net through a packaging machine which revolves the elongated net around said content; and introducing through the packaging machine a channel-creating material to revolve around the content in proximity to two opposing edges of said content, thereby producing a wrapped content having two sunken channels in proximity to said two opposing edges. In some embodiments of the present invention, the channel-creating material comprises an elongated rope. In some embodiments of the present invention, the channel-creating material comprises a non-elastic elongated material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two sunken channels trap water from spilling sideways towards exposed sides of said content.

The present invention may provide other and/or additional benefits or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art cylindrical package;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a prior art batch of multiple separated cylindrical packages;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a packaging of a stored content, demonstrating raised shoulders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a packaging of a stored content, demonstrating sunken channels in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic illustrations of wraps having two separate elongated shoulders, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B are schematic illustrations of wraps having a layer that creates two elongated shoulders, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a narrowing wrap, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a prior art cylindrical package 100, in which a wrapping 101 surrounds a stored content 102. Applicants have realized that wrapping 101 covers only the elongated surface of a side 103 of cylindrical package 100; and that wrapping 101 does not cover a circular side-surface 104 (or a pair of such opposing side-surfaces) of cylindrical package 100. Accordingly, rain 105 may pour down in multiple directions, denoted by arrows 111-115; and at least some of rain 105 may spill sideways or diagonally, as indicated by arrows 111-112, thereby wetting or damaging the stored content 102.

Applicants have realized that the above-mentioned problem may exist, and may even worsen, if the wrapping material used is of high quality for the purposes of insulating the stored content from external water, which insulates well the stored content from water. Such insulation of the stored content from external water actually causes more water to drip down smoothly, thereby increasing the amount of water that eventually slips sideways or diagonally and wets or damages the stored content 102.

Reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic illustration of a prior art batch 200 of cylindrical packages 201-205, which are separate from each other and are non-attached to each other, and are placed in proximity to each other, containing a stored content 210. While batch 200 may partially mitigate the above-mentioned problem, Applicants have realized that rain or water may still wet or damage the stored content 210, since rain or water may run sideways or diagonally towards horizontal circular side 220 (or an opposing circular side). Additionally, rain or water may penetrate through cracks 231-234, and may wet or damage the stored content 210, since cylindrical packages 201-205 may be in proximity to each other but may not necessarily be hermetically glued to each other.

Furthermore, applicants have realized that arranging multiple cylindrical packages 201-205 in a batch structure (in which the multiple separate packages 201-205 are placed in close proximity to each other) may actually worsen the damage to stored content 210. For example, water that penetrates through cracks 231-234 may not have ample side-area to allow evaporation, thereby allowing such water to accumulate within stored content 210, possibly causing mold and increased damage to stored content 210.

Applicants have realized that it may be beneficial to create a generally-cylindrical packaging, which is not shaped as a perfect cylinder, but rather, has one or more structures or mechanisms to guide rain and water towards the ground, rather than sideways or diagonally. Accordingly, packaging in accordance with the present invention may comprise raised shoulders or raised edges, which may block or prevent water from running sideways or diagonally. Additionally or alternatively, packaging in accordance with the present invention may comprise recessed channels, which may guide running water downwardly towards the ground, and may block or prevent running water from running sideways or diagonally.

Reference is made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic illustration of a packaging 300 of a stored content 320, demonstrating raised shoulders in accordance with the present invention. Packaging 300 may comprise a wrap 303, which may wrap around or otherwise enclose or encircle the stored content 320. Packaging 300 may be shaped as an imperfect cylinder, such that a central portion 311 of the surface of packaging 300 may be generally flat; whereas two raised shoulders 312-313 may be located at (or near) the side edges of packaging 300. Shoulders 312-313 may be implemented as bumps or protrusions or ribs, which may encircle around packaging 300. Optionally, shoulders 312-313 may be diagonally slanted, for example, gradually rising above the height of central portion 311. In some implementations, shoulders 312-313 may be produced by using other suitable means, for example, by adding a sealing component or a gasket, or a suitable plastic add-on, at the side edges or on the side edges of packaging 300.

In accordance with the present invention, rain or water (or other fluids) which may drip or fall onto packaging 300, may run down along central portion 311 of wrap 303. Raised shoulders 312-313 may prevent such running water or fluids from slipping sideways or diagonally towards stored content 320, and may guide such running water or fluids downwardly towards the ground, thereby protecting stored content 320 from wetness or damage.

Reference is made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic illustration of an alternative packaging 400 of a stored content 420, demonstrating sunken channels in accordance with the present invention. Packaging 400 may comprise a wrap 404, which may wrap around or otherwise enclose or encircle the stored content 420. Packaging 400 may be shaped as an imperfect cylinder, such that a central portion 411 of the surface of packaging 400 may be generally flat; whereas two sunken channels 412-413 may be located at (or near) the side edges of packaging 400. Channels 412-413 may be implemented as canals or trenches or as circular indentations, which may encircle around packaging 400.

In accordance with the present invention, rain or water (or other fluids) which may drip or fall onto packaging 400, may run down along central portion 411 of wrap 404. Sunken channels 412-413 may prevent such running water or fluids from slipping sideways or diagonally towards stored content 420, and may guide such running water or fluids downwardly towards the ground, thereby protecting stored content 420 from wetness or damage. Sunken channels 412-413 may be produced, for example, by adding to wrap 404 a rubber component or an elastic component which may have low elasticity, or which may be almost non-elastic, or by running a rope or cable through the packaging machine in order to create sunken channels 412-413, or by other suitable means.

Reference is made to FIG. 5A, which is a schematic illustration of a wrap 500 which may be used to create a packaging having raised shoulders, in accordance with the present invention. Wrap 500 may comprise, for example, a continuous net 501, a breathable sheet 502, and two elastic portions 503A-503B.

Continuous net 501 may be, for example, an elongated net which may optionally be provided as a rolled-up or folded net, or as an already-spread (open, unfolded) net. Continuous net 501 may provide the strength needed for packing, or holding together, the content (e.g., bale) intended to be wrapped by wrap 500. The width of continuous net 501, as indicated by an arrow 541, may be narrower (e.g., 1 or 2 or 3 inches narrower; or 5 or 10 or 15 percent narrower) than the width of the bale to be wrapped.

Breathable sheet 502 may be a sheet having microscopic pores, for example, an SCM Sheet. The width of breathable sheet 502 may be generally equal to the width of the bale to be wrapped. The length of breathable sheet, as indicated by an arrow 531, may be generally equal to one full revolution (e.g., one perimeter) of the bale. In some implementations, breathable sheet 502 may be optional, and may not necessarily be included in some implementations of wrap 500. In such implementations, for example, wrap 500 may be produced by performing one or more additional revolutions or circling iterations of continuous net 501, and by performing the necessary step(s) to ensure creation of the raised shoulders at the side edges.

Each one of elastic portions 503A-503B may be a layer or net having elastic characteristics that are greater than the elastic characteristics of continuous net 501. The length of each elastic portion 503A-503B, as indicated by an arrow 542, may be generally equal to one full revolution (e.g., one perimeter) of the bale. The two elastic portions 503A-503B may be attached (e.g., glued or otherwise bonded) to the edges of continuous net 501. For example, each one of elastic portions 503A-503B may be generally parallel to continuous net 501, and may partially protrude out of continuous net; such that the total width between the external sides of elastic portions 503A-503B (as indicated by an arrow 542) may be slightly wider than the width of the bale (as indicated by an arrow 541).

In a demonstrative example, wrap 500 may be wrapped around a content (e.g., hay or straw), such that continuous net 501 may be the most internal layer which touches the content; and such that elastic portions 503A-503B may be (optionally, but not necessarily) the most external layer. Optionally, one or more fastener stripes 504 may be used for fastening or closure of wrap 500 around the stored content.

In a demonstrative implementation, a central region of wrap 500 may have one or more revolutions or layers of continuous wrap 501, in order to pack and hold-together the stored content; whereas, the sides or edges of wrap 500 may have additional layer(s) or additional revolution(s), for example of elastic portions 503A-503B, in order to provide the desired raised shoulders. In some implementations, the entire stored content may be wrapped with continuous net 501; whereas, only the edges or sides of the stored content may be then additionally wrapped with one or more additional layer(s) or revolution(s), of a suitable wrapping material (e.g., elastic portions 503A-503B, or non-elastic portions or materials), in order to produce the desired raised shoulders there.

Reference is made to FIG. 5B, which is a schematic illustration of a wrap 555 which may be used to create a packaging having raised shoulders, in accordance with the present invention. Wrap 555 of FIG. 5B may be generally similar to wrap 500 of FIG. 5A; however, FIG. 5B demonstrates that elastic portions 503A-50B may be located at other suitable location(s) along continuous net 501. Accordingly, elastic portions 503A-503B need not necessarily be located at a beginning or at an ending of continuous net 501.

Reference is made to FIG. 6A, which is a schematic illustration of a wrap 600 which may be used to create a packaging having raised shoulders, in accordance with the present invention. Wrap 600 of FIG. 6A may be generally similar to wrap 500 of FIG. 5A; however, instead of having two elastic portions 503A-503B at two opposite edges of wrap 500 (of FIG. 5A), wrap 600 of FIG. 6A may comprise a single, wider, elastic portion 603 which may cover an entire width of wrap 600, and may even extend or protrude from the width of wrap 600. Accordingly, the width of elastic portion 603, as indicate by an arrow 642, may be greater than the width of continuous net 501, and may be greater than the width of breathable sheet 502, and may be greater than the width of the bale to be wrapped. Breathable sheet 502 may be used in some demonstrative implementations; however, the present invention may utilize other types of nets or sheets or wraps, which may be breathable or may be non-breathable.

In a demonstrative implementation, a narrow wrap may firstly be wrapped around the central portion of the stored content, leaving unwrapped sides or unwrapped “shoulders” of the stored content, which may rise in its edges due to being non-wrapped there. Then, a wider wrap may be wrapped around the entire stored content, including the “sunk” central region and the raised shoulders or raised edges.

Some embodiments may utilize two different types of nets or wraps; whereas, other embodiments may utilize nets or wraps having different width thereof (e.g., firstly using a narrow central wrap, and subsequently using a wider wrap), in order to produce the desired raised shoulders.

Reference is made to FIG. 6B, which is a schematic illustration of a wrap 666 which may be used to create a packaging having raised shoulders, in accordance with the present invention. Wrap 666 of FIG. 6B may be generally similar to wrap 600 of FIG. 6A; however, wrap 666 demonstrates that elastic portion 603 may be located at other suitable location(s) along continuous net 50, and not necessarily at a beginning or at an ending of continuous net 501.

Reference is made to FIG. 7, which is a schematic illustration of a wrap 700 which may be used to create a packaging having raised shoulders, in accordance with the present invention.

Continuous net 701 may have variable width; such that, for example, a first portion of continuous net 701 (between arrows 761 and 762) may be referred to as “narrow portion”, whereas a second portion of continuous net (between arrows 763 and 764) may be referred to as “wide portion”. The transition between the wide portion and the narrow portion of continuous net 701 may be abrupt, or may be gradual by using short slanting portions 766.

The width of the narrow portion of continuous net 701, as indicated by an arrow 741, may be slightly smaller than the width of the bale to be wrapped. The width of the wide portion of continuous net 701, as indicated by an arrow 742, may be slightly greater than the width of the bale to be wrapped.

The length of the wide portion of continuous net 701, as indicated by an arrow 732, may be generally equal to one full revolution (e.g., one perimeter) of the bale. Similarly, the length of breathable sheet 702 may be generally equal to one full revolution (e.g., one perimeter) of the bale. Optionally, one or more fastener stripes 704 may be used for fastening or closure of wrap 700 around the stored content.

In a demonstrative implementation, the wide portion of continuous net 701 may be slightly wider (e.g., approximately 2 to 8 inches wider) than the width of the bale width. Optionally, the narrowing of continuous net 701 may be achieved, for example, by pulling external threads towards the center of continuous net 701, thereby creating a “rope” 751 or a rope-like edge made of approximately 3 to 8 threads, at each edge of the narrow portion of continuous net 701.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a method of producing a wrap may comprise: providing a continuous net; attaching a breathable sheet at a first region of the continuous net; and attaching two elastic shoulders to two edges of the continuous net at a second region of the continuous net.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a method of producing a wrap may comprise: providing a continuous net; attaching a breathable sheet at a first region of the continuous net; and attaching an elastic layer at a second region of the continuous net.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a method of producing a wrap may comprise: providing a continuous net having a first width; narrowing the width of a portion of the continuous net (e.g., by removing or tying multiple threads at the edges of the continuous net); and attaching a breathable sheet at a portion of the narrow region of the continuous net.

Some embodiments of the present invention may achieve a reduction in the amount of water (e.g., rain, liquids) which flows sideways towards the generally-vertical side panels of the package; and/or may achieve an increase in the amount of water (e.g., rain, liquids) which flows downwardly on the surface of the package towards the ground; thereby better protecting the content of the package, and/or maintaining it dry or dryer.

The present invention may be implemented by using an automated or semi-automated or computerized system or production line, which may utilize, for example, processors, controllers, integrated circuits, buffers, memory units, storage units, or the like; and may further use other components of a production line, for example, robotic arms for moving items or for performing operations, conveyor belts to transport items or may them progress from station to station, or the like.

The raised shoulders in accordance with the present invention may be produced, for example, due to the particular properties of the wrap being used, due to the fact that such wrap is being revolved around a content in order to form a generally-cylindrical structure, and/or by applying controlled force or controlled pressure during the revolving process (e.g., in order to apply more pressure at a central region of the wrap, relative to the edges).

The present invention may be implemented by using an automated or semi-automated or computerized system or production line, which may utilize, for example, processors, controllers, integrated circuits, buffers, memory units, storage units, balers, baler units, or the like; and may further use other components, for example, robotic arms for moving items or for performing operations, conveyor belts to transport items or make them progress, or the like.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments of the present invention, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments of the present invention.

While certain features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: an elongated net to wrap around a central region of said content; two shoulder-creating net-portions, attached to two opposing edges of the elongated net.
 2. The wrap of claim 1, wherein each one of the two shoulder-creating net-portions protrudes partially out of the elongated net.
 3. The wrap of claim 1, wherein the two shoulder-creating net-portions are implemented by using a single shoulder-creating region that covers the central region and the two opposing edges of the elongated net.
 4. The wrap of claim 1, wherein the two shoulder-creating net-portions are elastic.
 5. The wrap of claim 1, wherein the two shoulder-creating net-portions are non-elastic.
 6. The wrap of claim 1, wherein the two shoulder-creating net-portions, when revolved around said content, cause the wrap to comprise raised shoulders at said two opposing edges.
 7. The wrap of claim 6, wherein the raised shoulders block water from dripping sideways towards a side of said content in which said content is exposed.
 8. A wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: a first elongated net having a first width, wherein the first width is smaller than a width of the content being wrapped; a second elongated net having a second width, wherein the second width of the second elongated net is greater than the first width of the first elongated net.
 9. The wrap of claim 8, wherein the second width of the second elongated net is substantially identical to the width of the content being wrapped.
 10. The wrap of claim 8, wherein the second width of the second elongated net is greater than the width of the content being wrapped.
 11. A wrap for wrapping around a content, the wrap comprising: an elongated net having a first elongated region and a second elongated region, wherein the first elongated region has a first width, wherein the second elongated region has a second, smaller, width.
 12. The wrap of claim 11, wherein a transition from the first elongated region to the second elongated region is abrupt.
 13. The wrap of claim 11, wherein a transition from the first elongated region to the second elongated region is gradual.
 14. The wrap of claim 11, wherein two opposing edges of the second elongated region comprise multiple threads that are tied together in a rope structure.
 15. An elongated wrap to wrap around a content, comprising: an elongated central region, and two elongated side-regions; wherein the elongated central region revolves around the content at a first diameter; wherein the two elongated side-regions revolve around the content at a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter, thereby producing raised shoulders at said side-regions.
 16. A method of packaging a content, the method comprising: wrapping a first elongated net around a central region of said content, wherein the wrapping causes said central region of the content to compress, and wherein the wrapping of the central region maintains two opposing edges of the content non-wrapped and non-compressed; wrapping a second elongated net around said content, wherein the second elongated net is wider than the first elongated net; and wherein the wrapping of the second elongated net covers both the central region and the two opposing edges of the content.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the wrapping of the first elongated net, followed by the wrapping of the second elongated net, produces a wrapped packaging having raised shoulders at said to opposing edges.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the raised shoulders block water from dripping sideways towards an exposed side of said content.
 19. A method of packaging a content, the method comprising: running an elongated net through a packaging machine which revolves the elongated net around said content; introducing through the packaging machine a channel-creating material to revolve around the content in proximity to two opposing edges of said content, thereby producing a wrapped content having two sunken channels in proximity to said two opposing edges.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the channel-creating material comprises an elongated rope.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the channel-creating material comprises a non-elastic elongated material.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the two sunken channels trap water from spilling sideways towards exposed sides of said content. 